National Harbor Announces Opening Date of Spirit Park as November 11, Veterans Day

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Contact: Vicki Bendure
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National Harbor Announces Opening Date of Spirit Park as November 11, Veterans Day
Patriotic tribute to the American Flag and honoring our Veterans


NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Nov. 9, 2022-- National Harbor has created a new attraction, Spirit Park, designed to honor the history of the American flag and all of those who represent it—veterans, first responders, public servants and Americans across the U.S. The park will officially open on Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day) and will feature an opening ceremony and dedication from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The park will feature a 50 by 80-foot custom-made flag on a flag pole that is 177 feet 7 inches tall (first Flag Day was on June 14, 1777.) The flag is one of the largest American flags flying in the country. It will be surrounded by 13 smaller flags (representing the original colonies.) The thirteen flags will have arrived by runners and representatives from across the region and are to be raised during the ceremony.

Many elements of the park pay homage to the flag’s signature features, as well as incorporate American themes throughout. Spirit Park is based on the development of a patriotic, educational and moving tribute to the flag. An online component will provide the journey of the flag including its regulations and history.

The park is 1.776 acres (in honor of Independence Day) and includes an amphitheater with six rows of seating (representing the number of white stripes on the flag) and a 50-foot round stage representing the 50 states. Spirit Park will host everything from military concerts, history lectures, military events, private veteran events and general public events. The official opening on November 11 will include a special dedication ceremony and fireworks.

A 17-foot, seventy-seven inch (17.77) bell tower is erected in the park welcoming guests. Union Tower will ring daily and mark significant occasions with patriotic songs of history.

Spirit Park also contains sculptures including American Bison, created by John Lopez. Based in South Dakota, Lopez has created a six-and-a-half-foot tall Bison bull weighing approximately 1,000 lbs., a six foot tall Bison cow and a three foot tall calf. Lopez will be available on November 11 to talk about his art creation that has also integrated tools used by National Harbor founder, the late Milton Peterson. Sculptures of Presidents Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt, both created by Ivan Schwartz with StudioEIS will also be part of Spirit Park.

For more information on Spirit Park at National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com/spiritpark. For more information on the Journey of the Flag, visit www.nationalharbor.com/blog/the-journey-of-the-american-flag/.


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About National Harbor

Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to eight hotels including two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center and MGM National Harbor. Also within National Harbor is Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands. The vibrant Waterfront District at National Harbor features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades as well as the iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel and the Guide by Cell outdoor art gallery tour. National Harbor typically welcomes more than 14 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com